@~ljokerl.
I'm looking for an IEM between $150-$400 which excels in separation, detail, soundstage width, liquid style mid range for vocals. I'm also wanting this to have bass texture similar to EX600 / EX1000, I really enjoy the bass on those EX series. Basically I love EX600's bass, mids of EPH-100 and treble of TF10. I'm trying to track something down as an all in one package. Imaging would also be a huge plus. I prefer the signatures of EPH and TF10 over the slightly dryer GRO7 and EX600.
I'd be using Cowon players as a source unamped.
The IEM's I have tried are:
Yamaha EPH-100,
GRO7 MK2,
TF10,
EX600.
Klipsch X10
Cheers!

I am really not sure I've heard what you're looking for. Which one did you feel was closest to what you want overall? Sounds like you want a K3003 crossed over higher than it is and for <$400..

Quote:

Originally Posted by dustdevil

Looks like you really like your she3580 joker, do you think I should buy one even though I havent been using the hf5 I've bought recently quite often as I should have?

That really depends on whether you're not using the HF5 because you don't like the signature (then yes, by all means get the Philips) or because you don't have occasion to use IEMs in general (in which case the Philips isn't likely to change your mind).

Quote:

Originally Posted by david321

I seriously can't decide between the Soundmagic E10 and the Vsonic GR99. There both great value. I'm looking for the best bass performance. Can you help me out?. Thanks

The GR99 has deeper, punchier bass than the E10. It's not as bassy as the GR02 bass edition but it's close and the rest of the sound is good as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nothingman

I would like joker's and anyone's advice on budget custom IEMs. Sub $500, and I think I've got it narrowed down to 3 choices.

I'll start with what I don't want: a dry, analytic sound. To me, that sounds lifeless and unengaging.

Balance across the frequency spectrum is key, as is a spatial presentation, but with a weight to the sound that makes it a fun, non-fatiguing experience.

I currently own GR07s. They're good, but not as engaging as I would like, along with being uncomfortable physically and a bit fatiguing sonically.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. There's been very little written about Alclair and Clear Tune, outside of joker and average_joe. A big thanks to both of those guys for their tireless generosity.

I've only heard the Reference out of those (and the GR07, obviously). If you find the GR07 too analytical and fatiguing I would not recommend the Reference. It's really a BA version of the GR07 sound with better clarity, dynamics, and presentation. Even the CTM-200 has a more liquid sound to it, but it's not very engaging. I don't know how the CTM-300 is tuned but if it adds a bass driver that might be interesting.

Your requirements really don't tell me what kind of sound signature you are looking for. To be safe I would try something with enhanced bass, say a Yamaha EPH-100. If you're just starting out it should be a solid all-rounder. You could even go cheaper with something like a VSonic GR06 or Shure SE215. Since it's going to be your first earphone it might be safer to spend less while honing in on your preferred sound signature.

Your requirements really don't tell me what kind of sound signature you are looking for. To be safe I would try something with enhanced bass, say a Yamaha EPH-100. If you're just starting out it should be a solid all-rounder. You could even go cheaper with something like a VSonic GR06 or Shure SE215. Since it's going to be your first earphone it might be safer to spend less while honing in on your preferred sound signature.

I like a bright, euphonic, juicy and lush, punchy, sturdy, sweet, and transparent sound. I like to listen to accurate, clear, detailed to low sounds, balanced, focused (I find this a problem on a lot of in-ears), gripped, and brilliant music.

I like a bright, euphonic, juicy and lush, punchy, sturdy, sweet, and transparent sound. I like to listen to accurate, clear, detailed to low sounds, balanced, focused (I find this a problem on a lot of in-ears), gripped, and brilliant music.

I've got a question about the GR99. Can they be used simply with a Ipod or Iphone because I'm mostly gonna use them outside. By the way, what is the next IEM you'll be looking to put up on this thread?

That really depends on whether you're not using the HF5 because you don't like the signature (then yes, by all means get the Philips) or because you don't have occasion to use IEMs in general (in which case the Philips isn't likely to change your mind).

Yes, its the second reason, I do like the signature very much, it has just one tiny bump in the mid bass but I am still enjoying them.

I am just thinking that since they sound pretty good(tried someone else's she3580), and most importantly they are so cheap, that I can hardly resist to throw another $10 into earphones, but I am worried that I will be using them even less than the hf5 that are already not being used quite often.

Well if you are not using them often because you are afraid of breaking them it might make sense to get the 3580 as a beater pair.

I am definitely not worrying that they are going to break as they are under warranty, it is that I can hardly find a suitable situation to use them, sure I can use them when I am on a transportation, but I would prefer to be sleeping rather than listening to music most of the times. When I am at home, I would go for a more comfortable, flatter fr, and less isolating option, my eq'ed sennheiser hd555.

I've only heard the Reference out of those (and the GR07, obviously). If you find the GR07 too analytical and fatiguing I would not recommend the Reference. It's really a BA version of the GR07 sound with better clarity, dynamics, and presentation. Even the CTM-200 has a more liquid sound to it, but it's not very engaging. I don't know how the CTM-300 is tuned but if it adds a bass driver that might be interesting.

I feel like you would enjoy a JVC FX700..

Joker, I appreciate the reply and the suggestion of the FX700.

I've wanted to give the FX700 a try for a while, but I'd really like to move away from universals and into customs, and I love my IEMs for particularly loud environments like airplane travel and city public transportation.

If someone wanted to move into customs, and was looking for something like an FX700 sound, what would you suggest?

In the meantime, I'm going to listen very closely to my GR07s to determine if I wouldn't actually like them in a custom, especially with better dynamics and presentation.

I've got a question about the GR99. Can they be used simply with a Ipod or Iphone because I'm mostly gonna use them outside. By the way, what is the next IEM you'll be looking to put up on this thread?

No problem with my Ipod Touch. I use these as my training bud's and cannot be bothered to bring an amp while training. They even work well with my Galaxy S2.

I like a bright, euphonic, juicy and lush, punchy, sturdy, sweet, and transparent sound. I like to listen to accurate, clear, detailed to low sounds, balanced, focused (I find this a problem on a lot of in-ears), gripped, and brilliant music.

I'm thinking the Phonak PFE122 is a good option?

I know what some of those words mean...

The 122 has good clarity and detail and can be considered bright with the gray filters. Anything beyond that will depend on who you ask. Still, it's a great entry into higher-end portable audio, if more expensive now than a few years ago. I think the MEElec A161P and Ety HF5 have taken its place as the single BAs to go for under $150.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amitl

hello!

Joker...could you please recommend me

of some nice earphones in the range of 60$ or less

that have dominant bass and are designed

for shallow fit?

i love my id america spark's sound, but

they the depth of insertion is not very comfortable to me

thank you!

Bass-heavy sound and shallow fit don't go hand-in-hand very often. There are very few half in-ear designs that are properly bass-heavy. The Yamaha EPH-50 is one but it's not that great overall in my opinion.

There are also some straight-barrel earphones that still sound good with a shallow seal, for example the Xears N3i (not sure if it's still in production).

All that said, you may just want to grab a JVC FX101 and call it a day. I find them a little harsh and unrefined but there's no denying that the bass is huge and the price is right.

Quote:

Originally Posted by H20Fidelity

I'd say EX600 was probably the closest I've found though wanting better separation, obvious micro detailing, more treble extension with a wetter mid range.
I'm not really interested in EX1000 as an option if that helps.

Yeah I haven't heard anything like that to the best of my recollection, at least not under $400.

Quote:

Originally Posted by David245

I've got a question about the GR99. Can they be used simply with a Ipod or Iphone because I'm mostly gonna use them outside. By the way, what is the next IEM you'll be looking to put up on this thread?

Yep, the GR99 is quite efficient.

There's a list of planned reviews at the bottom of the front page. The very next set will likely either be something entry-level from a big brand or something from Rock-It Sounds.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dustdevil

Yes, its the second reason, I do like the signature very much, it has just one tiny bump in the mid bass but I am still enjoying them.

I am just thinking that since they sound pretty good(tried someone else's she3580), and most importantly they are so cheap, that I can hardly resist to throw another $10 into earphones, but I am worried that I will be using them even less than the hf5 that are already not being used quite often.

If listening to IEMs doesn't fit in your schedule there's probably no reason to pick up more, even for $10. But yes, it's a great deal at $10.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nothingman

Joker, I appreciate the reply and the suggestion of the FX700.

I've wanted to give the FX700 a try for a while, but I'd really like to move away from universals and into customs, and I love my IEMs for particularly loud environments like airplane travel and city public transportation.

If someone wanted to move into customs, and was looking for something like an FX700 sound, what would you suggest?

In the meantime, I'm going to listen very closely to my GR07s to determine if I wouldn't actually like them in a custom, especially with better dynamics and presentation.

Thanks again.

Actually the FX700 played at low volumes reminded me of my Miracle. The v-shape gets more pronounced/obvious when you raise the volume, though. The Miracle has great extension on both ends of the spectrum and a similarly dynamic and refined sound while at the same time remaining smoother up top and more accurate down low. Among the lower-end customs the Alclair is probably closest but again based on your wanting a less analytical note presentation and smoother treble than the GR07, I can't 100% recommend it.